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引发争议 (spark controversy)

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression (verb phrase)

neutral to formal

How it works

This is a verb-object phrase where '引发' (yǐnfā) means 'to cause/spark' and '争议' (zhēngyì) means 'controversy'. It functions as a transitive verb, taking the 'controversy' as its direct object, and usually describes an action or event that leads to public disagreement or debate.

Sample sentences

这项政策预计将引发广泛争议。

This policy is expected to spark widespread controversy.

他的言论在网上引发了激烈争议。

His remarks sparked fierce controversy online.

这部电影因其敏感内容而引发了争议。

This film sparked controversy due to its sensitive content.

Quick facts

structure:Verb (引发) + Noun (争议). '引发' is often used for causing strong reactions, both positive and negative, but paired with '争议' it specifically refers to negative or divisive reactions.

Often used with

引发讨论 (spark discussion)

引发关注 (attract attention)

引发不满 (arouse discontent)

引发社会争议 (spark social controversy)

引起争议 (cause controversy - very similar synonym)

Mnemonic

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Example

这项政策预计将引发广泛争议。

This policy is expected to spark widespread controversy.

他的言论在网上引发了激烈争议。

His remarks sparked fierce controversy online.